Alcaraz destroys Medvedev and will play the Wimbledon final against Djokovic

Perfection in tennis, in sports and in life, does not exist. As luck would have it, it would be ideal to get closer, to enjoy just a few moments. But as rain drenched London on a not-so-unusual British summer afternoon, Carlitos Alcaraz, a boy of only 20 years and two months, with so much to discover, offered his version of perfection on the tennis court. He may not have done it for the entire semifinal match against Daniil Medvedev, but he came close too many times.

All the way to a 6-3, 6-3 and 6-3 victory in a match that lacked only the feeling of a result. Because the Spanish tennis player won crushingly and added another milestone to the list of miracles that graced his arrival in the tennis aristocracy: after the third youngest athlete in the entire open era (since 1968) who played in the semifinals of three different Grand Slam tournamentsthe last three he played (2022 US Open champion, 2023 Roland Garros semi-finalist and 2023 Wimbledon contender), as Australia was lost to injury this year.

Alcaraz played so well and variedly that the volcanic Medvedev couldn’t even get angry, only make the irritated grimace he shows when he feels powerless. His repertoire included everything: his falls on the edge of recklessness for the pleasure of the audience, his lobs over the opponent’s 198-centimeter plant, his strong and varied serve as if he were a specialist, his forehand and backhand shots from the bottom of the court, volleys that he caresses as if he were rocking a child… And the rest. Wimbledon is not just any tournament, nor is it played on any surface. Grass is also not about taking away, it’s about taking away to create opportunities that change the pre-established scenario. And Alcaraz, turning the ball between confident and brave, thus deactivated a thousand and one serves of his opponent.

Alcaraz’s exhibition transforms the liturgy of the Wimbledon Center, where the silence allows you to hear the echo of shots against the walls of the court. His genius moves are accompanied by plenty of muttering. With this diverse repertoire, which prevents Medvedev from knowing where he will get the next trick, gives his first chance to break his opponent’s serve when he leads 4-3 in the first set. The second makes a move made up in another 6-3. And in the third, he messed up a bit, gave up two games on serve when everything was going in his favor and celebrated the victory with a new 6-3.

Novak Djokovic awaits him in the final on Sunday, his executioner in the penultimate round of Roland Garros, who beat Italian Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). Then he will play more than the final itself, he will face the ghosts of his collapse in Paris barely a month ago, when, by his own admission, the tension of seeing a legend two steps away from the title resulted in a waterfall of paralyzing cramps.. Another challenge for Carlitos Alcaraz, a kid who strives for perfection.

Alcaraz: “It’s a dream for me to play the Wimbledon final”

Still on track Carlos Alcaraz said in an interview after his unquestionable victory against Daniil Medvedev that there is still room to continue his dreams: “It’s a dream for me to be able to play the Wimbledon final, I don’t believe it, I’ll enjoy this moment, we have to keep dreaming.”

As for his rival, Alcaraz highlights Medvedev’s category, which, according to the Spanish tennis player, “makes you be at your best level”: «With players like him, you always have to be very focused. Daniil fought until the last ball, he is a great player, I had to show my best version and be aggressive, I think that was the key of the match”.

The Spanish tennis player also pointed out that he believes in his chances in the final: “What can I say? It will be very, very difficult. I will fight, that’s me. I will believe in myself and that I can beat him here.. He’s undefeated since 2013 on this court and it’s a big challenge for me, but it’s been a dream since I started playing tennis to be here in the final.”

“Both in good shape”

Serbian Novak Djokovic, The rival of Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, assures that it is the “most anticipated” final and the best one could witness. Đoković advanced to the final after defeating Jannik Sinner in three sets. In a way, as consistent as his opponent in yesterday’s match.

«It’s the most anticipated final from the start of the tournament, most people, Alcaraz, me. After watching the whole tournament, I think this is the best final we could have had. We are both in good shape and playing well,” Djokovic said at the press conference.

The Serbian, who will play his ninth Wimbledon final and number 35 at the Grand Slam, he did not hesitate to praise the Spanish tennis player, emphasizing his consistency and ability to adapt.